by Dane Bagley
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It must have been women’s intuition how Janice knew that John would be coming by that evening. Somehow she even knew the time. She peeked out the curtain of her upstairs bedroom and sure enough there he was walking down the path. He hadn’t seen her yet, so she drank in his presence a little longer. Janice’s heart leaped. He brought flowers!
The past six weeks had been the time of her life. She and John had spent every moment possible together. He was everything that she could ask for in a young man, and more. She had worried when Kevin and Amanda had broken up that their relationship would be in jeopardy. It was not. Sometimes he and she just spent time together. Other times they were joined by Kevin and whoever he was dating or wooing at that time. At other times they were joined by Amanda and Riley, her new guy. The thing that was troubling Janice was how platonic the relationship had been. They both seemed blissful in each other’s company yet John never moved toward any affection.
At first this was refreshing for her. She liked moving slowly and found that most guys she showed even a passing interest in wanted to move along way too quickly. Then, six weeks later, she was ready to be kissed—more than ready. Tonight, he had brought flowers; that meant something.
Just as she was about to turn away and head downstairs John did something strange. He put the flowers down behind a large rock in the path and continued on without them.
What’s he doing, she wondered. He must have something planned. I’ll play along. Tonight will be a new beginning, the start of a deep and meaningful relationship. This is the man that Janice was going to marry and tonight would be special. It would be sealed with a kiss.
She turned to her mirror and looked herself over. She was wearing a lovely maroon dress with her hair down straight. She was made up nicely. She wanted to look great but not so adorned that she looked like she was expecting him. Perfect, she thought.
The encounter at the door only lasted a few minutes. Janice closed the door and the tears that had welled up began to overflow. She didn’t want to sob with him close enough to hear but she could hardly contain herself. Sickness and darkness filled her heart. She had been warned; she knew what he was like. So many a girl had been heartbroken by John Bennett. She should have known. Six weeks and not a single kiss? Anger, frustration, and bitter sorrowed filled her. Love turned sour is utterly unbearable. There was no other John Bennett and he had not left the door open, even partway. He was gone and she regretted every moment, every happiness she had ever felt in his presence.
If I’m not good enough for him, who is? He had brought flowers? There must be someone else, but who. He has been with me all of the time. All of a sudden there is somebody else and he just wants to throw all of this away? It just made it hurt that much more. Not only had she been rejected, she had been usurped. Some girl probably laughed at her misfortune this night. Oh, she knew. She must have known who John was dating. Now, she has beat me out and is loving every moment of it. Well, enjoy your week or maybe your month. Soon he’ll come dancing down on your heart and tearing it into pieces. Laugh today, cry tomorrow. My first moments with him, those glorious first hours together, must have been at the expense of some other girls’ bitter tears. What is his problem? And what is wrong with me? What is so special about this girl? Does he just like variety? Will he not stop until he ruptures every girl’s heart?
Janice was bitter. She had never really felt the pang of a broken heart. Not really. She never imagined that she wouldn’t win the guy of her choosing. She was not an arrogant person. She was confident—had been confident, until then. Some broken hearts mend faster than others. Janice had become inconsolable. The darkness and depression would last a very long time for her. Janice’s heart would mend, and in some ways it would be for the better, but it would never be the same again.
